Top Christmas Light Shows in Every State

The holiday season transforms towns and cities across the country into twinkling wonderlands. From nostalgic neighborhood displays to grandiose events at botanical gardens, there’s a festive light show waiting to enchant you in every state. Whether you’re a family searching for a beloved annual tradition or a traveler eager to see what each corner of the U.S. has to offer, these top Christmas light shows promise unforgettable holiday memories.

Alabama: Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden – Wander through over two and a half miles of brilliant displays, including animated light scenes and holiday favorites.

Alaska: Aurora Winter Festival, Anchorage – While Alaska’s famed Northern Lights may dazzle naturally overhead, this festival brings a curated wonderland of winter-themed light installations right to the city.

Arizona: Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix – Thousands of hand-lit luminarias and twinkling lights set the desert aglow, accompanied by live music and warm holiday treats.

Arkansas: Lights of the Ozarks, Fayetteville – The city’s downtown square becomes a sparkling spectacle with over half a million lights, festive music, and holiday treats.

California: Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens, Los Angeles Area – An interactive, artfully designed landscape of color and illumination awaits among California’s towering oaks.

Colorado: Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens – Stroll along a winding path decorated with vibrant LED displays and themed gardens.

Connecticut: Holiday Light Fantasia, Hartford – Goodwin Park hosts a drive-thru show filled with whimsical characters, local tributes, and over a million lights.

Delaware: Winter WonderFest, Lewes – The Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal area sparkles with a dazzling coastal Christmas celebration that includes rides and Santa’s Workshop.

Florida: St. Augustine Nights of Lights – The city’s historic district shimmers under millions of lights, making for a magical waterfront stroll.

Georgia: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden – Synchronized music and LED orbs transform the garden’s greenery into a holiday dreamscape.

Hawaii: Honolulu City Lights – Downtown Honolulu features a giant decorated tree, light sculptures, and island-inspired holiday cheer.

Idaho: Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise – Walk among thousands of lights, enchanting displays, and a grotto housing Santa himself.

Illinois: ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago – Enjoy a free holiday light extravaganza among the zoo’s wildlife exhibits and ice carvings.

Indiana: Christmas at the Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo – One of the first zoos to host a holiday lights event, it offers animal encounters, trails of glowing trees, and festive music.

Iowa: Jolly Holiday Lights, Des Moines – A beloved drive-thru tradition that raises funds for Make-A-Wish, offering a heartwarming holiday journey.

Kansas: Illuminations at Botanica Wichita – The gardens come alive with more than 2 million lights, fire pits, and a musical tree show.

Kentucky: Lights Under Louisville – Venture underground through the Louisville Mega Cavern to see a one-of-a-kind subterranean light display.

Louisiana: Natchitoches Christmas Festival – One of the oldest holiday celebrations in the U.S., the riverfront and historic district glow with lights and fireworks.

Maine: Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – A stunning display of shimmering lights brings coastal charm to the holiday season.

Maryland: Miracle on 34th Street, Baltimore – A single block in the Hampden neighborhood becomes a legendary display of creative, quirky decorations.

Massachusetts: Bright Nights at Forest Park, Springfield – A scenic drive-thru adorned with themed light scenes, from Seuss Land to Winter Woods.

Michigan: Big, Bright Light Show, Rochester – Downtown storefronts radiate with vibrant lights, creating a cheerful, walkable winter village.

Minnesota: Bentleyville Tour of Lights, Duluth – Set along Lake Superior, this free outdoor event features over 5 million lights, cookies, and a warm holiday atmosphere.

Mississippi: Christmas in the Park, Tylertown – A tranquil drive through over 40 acres of rolling hills adorned with festive lights and decor.

Missouri: Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights, St. Louis – Enjoy free tours amid millions of lights, a s’mores station, and family-friendly activities.

Montana: Christmas Stroll, Bozeman – Downtown’s Main Street lights up with holiday cheer, live music, and horse-drawn wagon rides.

Nebraska: Holiday Lights Festival, Omaha – Downtown’s Old Market area shimmers, paired with concerts, family activities, and a warming holiday vibe.

Nevada: Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – A family-friendly drive-thru with over 3 million LED lights and plenty of festive themes.

New Hampshire: Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway – This drive-thru display features hundreds of scenes along a two-mile route, complete with holiday tunes.

New Jersey: Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show, Augusta – A mile-long drive filled with dazzling displays plus a Christmas village and ice skating rink.

New Mexico: River of Lights at ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, Albuquerque – Light sculptures and interactive displays adorn the garden’s pathways.

New York: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, Brooklyn – An iconic tradition where entire neighborhoods compete for the most jaw-dropping, over-the-top holiday displays.

North Carolina: McAdenville “Christmas Town USA” – A small town that comes alive with millions of lights, drawing visitors from far and wide.

North Dakota: Holiday Lights Drive, Fort Lincoln State Park – A scenic drive set against a historic backdrop, illuminated by festive displays.

Ohio: Clifton Mill Christmas Lights, Clifton – Over 4 million lights covering a historic mill and gorge, plus a miniature village and Santa’s workshop.

Oklahoma: Rhema Christmas Lights, Broken Arrow – A walk-through experience with over 2 million lights, synchronized music, and hot cocoa stands.

Oregon: ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo, Portland – A whimsical, animal-themed display that transforms the zoo into a nighttime wonderland.

Pennsylvania: Kennywood’s Holiday Lights, West Mifflin – Amusement rides, carolers, and a dazzling light show make this a holiday hit near Pittsburgh.

Rhode Island: Garden Lights at Blithewold Mansion, Bristol – An elegant coastal garden illuminated, with roaring fire pits and a historic mansion backdrop.

South Carolina: Holiday Festival of Lights, James Island County Park, Charleston – Three miles of shimmering displays, a holiday train, and marshmallow roasting.

South Dakota: Christmas Nights of Light, Rapid City – A drive-thru spectacle synchronized with holiday music over the radio, set against the Black Hills.

Tennessee: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Pigeon Forge – Millions of lights, holiday shows, and festive treats set in the Smoky Mountains.

Texas: Trail of Lights, Austin – A vibrant walk-through in Zilker Park showcasing light tunnels, local art, and a towering tree of lights.

Utah: Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi – A tranquil, garden-based display filled with gentle glowing orbs, scented fire pits, and a nativity scene.

Vermont: Wassail Weekend, Woodstock – The town glows with Christmas lights as costumed carolers, horse-drawn wagons, and artisan markets spread cheer.

Virginia: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, Richmond – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s light show includes handcrafted ornaments, model trains, and nightly entertainment.

Washington: Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma – Sea-life-inspired displays, magical forests, and a lit-up suspension bridge captivate visitors.

West Virginia: Oglebay Festival of Lights, Wheeling – One of the nation’s largest light shows, spanning 300 acres with brilliant scenes and interactive experiences.

Wisconsin: Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival – Downtown parks and streets sparkle with holiday cheer, complemented by Jingle Bus tours.

Wyoming: Cheyenne Christmas Parade & Lights – The city’s historic center glistens under holiday lights, punctuated by a festive parade and community celebration.

Conclusion:
From coast to coast, every state offers a unique interpretation of holiday magic. These top Christmas light shows invite you to step into a twinkling realm of cheer and wonder. Whether you’re seeking a cozy drive-thru, an immersive garden stroll, or an urban spectacle, these shimmering displays will light up your holiday season.